How much does camping cost at St. Mary Campground?

Camping fees at St. Mary Campground range from $20-$40/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is St. Mary Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

St. Mary Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at St. Mary Campground before I book?

Yes! St. Mary Campground has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit St. Mary Campground?

St. Mary Campground is open April 18 to October 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at St. Mary Campground?

Yes, St. Mary Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at St. Mary Campground?

Cell phone service at St. Mary Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does St. Mary Campground have?

St. Mary Campground has 231 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at St. Mary Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at St. Mary Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at St. Mary Campground?

St. Mary Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

St. Mary Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at St. Mary Campground?

Fire policies at St. Mary Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.15

687 reviews

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK P.O. BOX 128, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA

Top 9% in MTFall

Summer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Glacier National Park Glacier

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,570 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

231 campsites

Season

Beginning August 17t...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Glacier National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,570 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

231 campsites

Season

Beginning August 17t...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Glacier National Park Official Website

Get Directions

St. Mary Campground

$20.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $40.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$8.00

Group Site Fee$90.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-732-7708

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK P.O. BOX 128, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA

St. Mary Campground

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK P.O. BOX 128, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA

Nearby places

St. Mary (half-mile, walking distance), Browning (33 miles northwest, approximately 40 minutes by car)

Weather at St. Mary Campground

Current alerts(12)

After Hours Arrival. Campers arriving after hours with valid reservation may proceed to their campsite. Camp reservation tags will be on designated site posts.
Camping Rules and Regulations . It is the camper's responsibility to be aware of all Glacier National Park Campground Rules and Regulations
Directional Site Parking: All campground loops are one way traffic. Vehicles occupying sites must be facing the one way direction.
Entrance Fees. The park entrance fee is $35 per vehicle, $30 for a morotcycle or $20 for a hiker or bicyclist. The fee is valid for seven days and may be paid upon arrival or purchased in advance .

Best Time to Camp at St. Mary Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers crisp days, spectacular aspen and larch color, and excellent wildlife viewing with fewer crowds than summer; expect daytime highs roughly 40–60°F and nights often dropping into the 20s–30s. Hiking on nearby trails and scenic drives along the Going-to-the-Sun Road are at their most pleasant — you’ll catch elk and deer activity during the rut and migrating raptors overhead. Road and trail access is generally reliable through September, and campsites are much quieter after the peak mid‑ Peak months: September, August, July, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 9% in MT

Described as best season: aspens and larches peak, cooler temps, fewer crowds and elk rutting.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 18 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Beginning August 17th through September 11th, St. Mary Campground will transition to a day-of reservation window, reservations for these dates may not be made in advance but must be made on the day of anticipated camping.

About St. Mary Campground

St. Mary Campground sits on the east side of Glacier National Park near the town of St. Mary, Montana, at mid-elevation among forested terrain. Operated by Glacier National Park, this very large campground serves as a base for hikers and anglers exploring the park's trails and waters. Reviewers praise the mountain views and ranger programs but note wind exposure and compact site layouts during busy periods.

St. Mary Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent, RV, and group camping. Sites are primarily non-electric and designed for a more rustic experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers crisp days, spectacular aspen and larch color, and excellent wildlife viewing with fewer crowds than summer; expect daytime highs roughly 40–60°F and nights often dropping into the 20s–30s. Hiking on nearby trails and scenic drives along the Going-to-the-Sun Road are at their most pleasant — you’ll catch elk and deer activity during the rut and migrating raptors overhead. Road and trail access is generally reliable through September, and campsites are much quieter after the peak mid‑ Peak months: September, August, July, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation4570 ft above sea level

Natural Features and ScenerySingleshot, East Flattop, and Red Eagle Mountains form a dramatic backdrop, their layered cliffs rising above the campground. Quaking aspens provide scattered shade and turn golden in fall, though much of the campground sits exposed to the elements. The eastern valleys here show the work of ancient glaciers: carved ridges, U-shaped valleys, and raw alpine terrain. Winds sweep through regularly, funneling down from the peaks and across the open campsites. The views are expansive, especially from higher loops, but expect little protection from sun or weather.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are available within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesRanger-led evening programs are highly praised, with topics ranging from grizzly safety to astronomy.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights during any single visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 2 tents and multiple vehicles depending on site size.

Groups

Group sites are positioned on the edge of the campground, offering some seclusion and proximity to bathroom facilities. Each site includes multiple picnic tables and a fire pit.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov website or mobile app.

AccessibilityThe campground includes ADA-accessible sites, though some reviews describe these sites as poorly designed, lacking privacy, and resembling parking lots.

Site SizeSites vary in size; some are described as small and not suitable for larger RVs or trailers.

PrivacyMany sites lack privacy due to sparse vegetation and close proximity to neighbors. Some areas have more trees providing shade and seclusion.

Total Campsites231 campsites

Recommended SitesResearch sites prior to booking. Loop C offers privacy and views; Loop A has shade and proximity to the river.

Best CampsitesLoop C gets mentioned most often for mountain views. Loop A offers more tree cover and privacy where aspens cluster together, though shade is still limited compared to west-side campgrounds.

Need help booking St. Mary Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

St. Mary Campground, located within Glacier National Park, offers essential but limited amenities. The campground has potable water and flush toilets with running water, contributing to the comfort of campers. However, several reviews mention that the shower facilities, though large and reportedly token-free, are unreliable, often non-operational or under construction. Many campers expressed frustration with the insufficient number of showers (four in total), leading to long queues. Cell phone service is available, with Verizon reportedly offering good speeds, making it one of the few areas in the park with consistent connectivity.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Food storage lockers

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Outdoor activities around the St. Mary Campground include hiking, wildlife viewing, and ranger programs. The campground is conveniently located near the Going-to-the-Sun Road, providing access to trails and scenic views.

Hiking

Fishing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredShared bear-proof food storage lockers are available near bathrooms. Some reviewers noted inadequate quantity of lockers per site.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are provided. Some reviewers noted that dumpsters were occasionally overfilled during peak times.

Cell CoverageVerizon cell service is reportedly strong and reliable at the campground, while T-Mobile is noted as 'roaming.' AT&T connectivity was inconsistent.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

687 reviews

Satisfactory

St. Mary Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Campers appreciate the campground's proximity to the Going-to-the-Sun Road and visitor center. However, issues cited include a lack of shade, poorly maintained facilities, and overcrowding in peak season.

Review Summaries

Based on 687 reviews

What Campers Love

Common praises include excellent location, breathtaking mountain views, clean restrooms, and engaging ranger programs. Some noted good cell service as a bonus.

Based on 687 reviews

Common Concerns

Repeated complaints focus on limited and often non-operational shower facilities, long queues for showers, lack of shade, high winds, and proximity of campsites leading to noise and lack of privacy.

Based on 687 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Many reviews note specific issues with individual sites, such as lack of privacy, exposure to wind, and proximity to bathrooms leading to noise.

Based on 687 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra soap, toilet paper, and bug spray. Prepare for high winds and limited tree cover. Early arrival is advised to avoid traffic and ensure access to amenities.

Based on 687 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight overcrowding and long waits for showers but praise the campground's access to park highlights. Shoulder seasons are less crowded but may feature closed facilities and cold...

Based on 687 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The views were stunning!" "Bathrooms were clean, but showers were broken." "Quiet and peaceful campsite with great ranger talks."

Based on 687 reviews

Accessibility Features

ADA-accessible sites were described as lacking privacy and poorly designed for wheelchair users.

Based on 687 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. Bear safety guidelines apply to pet food storage.

Based on 687 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a full-service base camp for hiking and fishing in Glacier National Park with shower access.

Skip if

You need shaded sites or prefer quieter, more spacious campgrounds away from peak-season crowds.

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4.4

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Many Glacier Campground

Glacier National Park, PO Box 128, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA

Many Glacier Campground sits in mid-elevation forest on the east side of Glacier National Park, operated by the National Park Service. The campground serves as a base for day hikes to Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg Lake, and Swiftcurrent Pass, with trailheads minutes from camp. Facilities include flush toilets, showers, a dump station, and a nearby camp store at Swiftcurrent Motor Inn.